On Friday, the Presidency announced that France is set to repatriate a substantial $150 million in funds previously looted by the former Nigerian military leader, General Sani Abacha.
In an official statement, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, conveyed the President’s appreciation for France’s decision.
During a meeting with the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, President Tinubu expressed his delight at the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, which had evolved following his visit to Paris after his inauguration.
President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the positive development of the Abacha loot repatriation and stressed the importance of using these recovered funds wisely to achieve Nigeria’s development goals.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need to enhance collaboration on both political and economic fronts, acknowledging the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas like climate change, economic integration, education, and culture.
Tinubu also acknowledged the signing of a €100 million agreement between Nigeria and France to support the i-DICE program, a Federal Government initiative promoting investments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Creative Arts Industries.
The French Minister extended an invitation to President Tinubu to attend the upcoming Paris Peace Forum and lauded the completion of the Abacha loot repatriation, emphasizing the significance of this achievement.
She also commended President Tinubu’s leadership in overseeing the affairs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and expressed France’s support for his efforts, underlining the importance of constitutional order and democracy in all countries.
